INSIDE: ART CAMP WORKSHOPS AT GALLERY, PET OF THE WEEK + MORE
Council News CITY OF WAGGA WAGGA
FIRST PRINTED SATURDAY 9 JANUARY 2021
Issue No: 327
Weekly information from us to you
fun + festive vibe gives city boost on NYE Wagga Wagga residents and visitors to the city enjoyed a fun and festive New Year’s Eve in the Central Business District, which was abuzz with a family-friendly vibe including street entertainment and activations. See full story on page 4.
Get kids started in Outback Lifesavers The chance to learn lifesaving water safety skills at pools and inland waterways is now open to Wagga Wagga youngsters who are being encouraged to join a new program being rolled out in the city.
Wagga Wagga City Council and Royal Life Saving NSW have partnered to deliver the State’s first Outback Lifesaver program which will start with proficiency swim testing at the Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre on Sunday 17 January 2021.
Parents and carers keen to get their children involved in the inaugural program are being urged to register on the Royal Life Saving NSW website. Limited places are still available and can be booked at royalnsw.com.au/EDUCATION/ Outback-Lifesaver Up to 120 primary school-aged children have the opportunity to take part during Term 1 of 2021 with the first of nine sessions at Wagga Beach to start on Sunday 31 January and finish on 28 March. RLSNSW Project Co-ordinator Renee Amidy said introducing young people to different aquatic environments is crucial to developing important skills around the water. “The Royal Life Saving Outback Lifesaver Program has been developed to provide
children and community groups with the opportunity to acquire relevant skills and knowledge to safely participate in recreational activities in our open water environments,” Ms Amidy said. “As children grow, they become exposed to a range of recreational water activities including surfing, canoeing, kayaking, rafting and water skiing. “Outback Lifesavers is all about being active and having fun and we strongly encourage parents and carers with children between 8-13 years of age to utilise their Active Kids Voucher and get involved. “It is important that children have the opportunity to develop foundation lifesaving skills and acquire relevant knowledge pertinent to our inland waterways. There is still a number of places available for the
Weekly waste tip Food goes nude! Please remove packaging from food waste before placing in your kitchen caddy.
under 13 years age group so we’d love to see those kids who are potentially starting Year 7 this year signed up for the program.” Council’s Strategic Recreation Officer Peter Cook said the community program was a unique opportunity and encouraged registrations as soon as possible. “Education is a major part of safety around inland waterways. Rivers present a number of challenges, many of which cannot be seen, such as submerged objects, cold water and strong under-current,” Mr Cook said. “We really want to see the community get behind this program. We want people to learn how to respect the river … and having parents and carers alongside our younger members of the community while learning these skills will be invaluable.” Continued on page 2.
LIBRARY’S CHRISTMAS FOOD APPEAL EMBRACES THE GIFT OF GIVING
The Wagga Wagga community is being praised for its spirit of generosity and support for the City Library’s 2020 Christmas Food Appeal. Library staff have been boxing up and bagging the thousands of non-perishable food and drink items donated to the appeal, which ran from 24 November to 24 December last year. Acting Manager Library Services Christine Bolton said as soon as the library advertised that its Christmas Food Appeal was underway, people started to bring in items. “The response from the community has been marvellous, library patrons have been incredibly generous. It’s a wonderful affirmation of the Festive Season,” Ms Bolton said. “Even though we didn’t have the ‘Food for Fines’ element this
time, we still received around the same amount of donations we had in previous years. “I think people like to honour the season of giving; the appeal is also a way to say thank you for the free library services that Council provides for everyone in the community. “We can then pass on that gratitude to those who need a helping hand.” The focus of the 2020 appeal was on staples for the pantry, from tinned food to breakfast cereals, spreads such as Vegemite to pasta, juices tea and coffee. The boxes and bags of donated items will be collected by the Salvation Army for distribution to those in need across the Wagga community over coming months. “When we spoke to the Salvation Army a few years ago,
they identified that people most needed assistance after Christmas, when a lot of money had been spent and people found themselves in financial difficulty,” Ms Bolton said. “That’s when they need practical non-perishable items they can use for meals and lunch boxes when the children return to school.” Meantime, the library will be providing plenty of ways for people of all ages to keep entertained in the new year. This includes the Summer Reading Challenge 2021, which runs online from 1 to 31 January, and Family Movie Wednesday on the morning of 13 January, which features the screening of The Secret Garden. You can find out more about the Challenge and other activities at waggalibrary.com. au/whats-on
PRECIOUS GIFTS: Programs & Promotions Officer Jeannie Hazell (left) and Acting Manager Library Services Christine Bolton finish packing up the thousands of items donated to Wagga City Library’s 2020 Christmas Food Appeal.
Outback Lifesaver program set for Wagga start From page 1. The Outback Lifesaver Program seeks to provide participants with: • increased aquatic skills and proficiencies for a range of aquatic environments • increased aquatic and community safety knowledge relevant to local surroundings and conditions • increased understanding of
local aquatic environments, including pools, rivers, lakes and dams and their associated risks and hazards • great fun and enjoyment – lots of laughter with friends and peers • an appreciation for local aquatic environments and the need to respect such environments • health, wellbeing and social outcomes
pet
• enhanced understanding and support for safe local communities. Bookings are open now and spaces are limited. Program information: The program will run on Sunday mornings. Sessions will run for 1 hour with start times dependent on age. Start date: Sunday 17 January
OF THE
WEEK
#adoptdontshop
Meet sweet Carolina! She’s a Diamond in the rough, who would make the purr-fect addition to your fur family. Carolina is a tabby and white domestic short hair, around three years old, and is ready to smooch you through the new year. You can adopt Carolina for $247.00 which includes desexing, vaccination, worming, microchipping, lifetime registration and ID tag. Just a reminder, our adoption policy is ‘first in, first served’, and you will have to complete an Adoption Application to start the process. R251000208
WHAT’S
ON
Get wet. Have fun. Learn lifesaving skills. WAGGA WAGGA + SURROUNDS
THIS WEEK: WAGGA LIBRARY SUMMER READING CHALLENGE (ONLINE)
Sat 9 Jan to Fri 15 Jan, Online Wagga Wagga City Library, Cnr Baylis & Morrow Sts. Ph: 6926 9700
WAGGA WAGGA ROAD RUNNERS – SATURDAY RUNS Sat 9 Jan, 7.30am
Wagga Beach, Johnston St. Ph: 6922 6208 DEMONSTRATION GARDENS VEGETABLE SWAP OR BUY
6971 4651 | graswagga.com.au
Sat 9 Jan, 9am to 12pm Demonstration Gardens, Cnr Shaw St & Albury St. Ph: 0411 417 956
2021 at Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre (proficiency swim). Session dates: Each Sunday between 31 January-28 March at Wagga Beach. Water conditions and weather will be constantly reviewed for safety; the Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre will be the alternate venue if required. Enrolments are open now at royalnsw.com.au/
LADYSMITH TOURIST RAILWAY OPEN DAY
Sat 9 Jan, 10am to 2pm Ladysmith Railway Station, Cunningdroo St. Ph:0458 263 443
OPEN STUDIO GALLERY
Sat 9 Jan, 10am to 3pm Wagga Art Society Studio, 11 Small St. Ph: 0400 225 768
SOUTH WAGGA TENNIS CLUB HOLIDAY CAMP
Mon 11 Jan to Wed 13 Jan, 9am to 12pm South Wagga Tennis Club, Murray St & Morgan Ln. Ph: 0455 593 890
ART CAMP – MAKE A PET (FAMILY ACTIVITY)
Tue 12 Jan, 10.30am to 12.30pm Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, Morrow St. Ph: 6926 9660
ART CAMP – PAPER FLOWER WORKSHOP (KIDS) Tue 12 Jan, 1pm to 3.30pm Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, Morrow St. Ph: 6926 9660
WAGGA SOCIAL NETBALL
EDUCATION/Outback-Lifesaver Support for this program will be provided by both paid staff and parent volunteers. Volunteers are encouraged to contact Royal Life Saving directly. For more information please contact Project Coordinator Renee Amidy at reneeamidy@ royalnsw.com.au or by calling 02 6651 5420.
Come some fun Wed 13and Jan,have 10am Bolton Park Stadium, at your local waterway Morgan St. caronne@ scvella.id.au
PRODUCERS MARKET
Wed 13 Jan, 10am to 12.30pm Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, Morrow St. Ph: 6926 9660
ART CAMP - CIVIC CUBBY WORKSHOP (FAMILY ACTIVITY)
ART CAMP – BRIGHT BAG WORKSHOP (KIDS)
ART CAMP – TOTE AND T EMBELLISHING WORKSHOP (TEENS) Wed 13 Jan, 1pm to 3.30pm Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, Morrow St. Ph: 6926 9660
ART CAMP – PORTRAIT PRINTS WORKSHOP (KIDS) Thu 14 Jan, 10.30am to 12.30pm Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, Morrow St. Ph: 6926 9660
ART CAMP – SUBURBAN SNAPSHOTS WORKSHOP (TEENS) Thu 14 Jan, 1pm to 3.30pm Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, Morrow St. Ph: 6926 9660
RIVERINA
Thu 14 Jan, 1pm to 6.30pm Wagga Wagga Showgrounds, Bourke St. Ph: 0428 263 297
Fri 15 Jan, 10.30am to 12.30pm Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, Morrow St. Ph: 6926 9660
ART CAMP – DRAW PHOTOGRAPH AND PROJECT WORKSHOP (TEENS) Fri 15 Jan, 1pm to 3.30pm Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, Morrow St. Ph: 6926 9660
FRIDAY NIGHT PIZZAS
Fri 15 Jan, 5.30pm to 7.30pm Mates Gully Café, 38 Morrow St. Ph: 6921 4241
/waggaevents
For event organising and promotion support, contact Council’s events unit: events@wagga. nsw.gov.au or 1300 292 442 Mon - Fri.
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Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication
Birramal Conservation Area in focus with new bincoculars
Art Camp promises a week of creative fun for all ages Children, teenagers and families are being encouraged to explore their artistic potential through a series of fun workshops being held at the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery this coming week, from 12-15 January 2021. This is the first year the gallery is presenting its Art Camp program, which features eight workshops across four days. Gallery Director LeeAnne Hall said she is thrilled with the mix of workshops on offer. “We have a range of activities designed to cater to different age groups, from children under 12s to teenagers through to the whole family,” Ms Hall said. “The aim is to give participants the chance to enjoy some hands-on and fun skills building and to interact with something new, such as digital drawing and projection. “They will also be able to take home their creations from some of the sessions, like the Tote and T Embellishing Workshop for teens on Wednesday (13 January) where they will create a layered coloured design to screen-print onto a tote bag. “One of my favourites is the Civic Cubby Workshop on the Wednesday afternoon, where you can come along and take part in creating an installation of large cubbies making a
new street inside the Civic Centre.” There will be two workshops each day – the first session running from 10.30am to 12.30pm and the second session from 1.00pm to 3.30pm. The Art Camp program will be presented by the Gallery team, who bring an extensive range of experience in program delivery. Some of the sessions put the spotlight on exhibitions currently on show at the gallery. “The opening workshop on Tuesday (12 January) is the family activity Make a Pet, using raffia, sticks and some googly eyes to create a dog, horse or a guinea pig inspired by the exhibition Hardenvale – our Home in Absurdia,” Ms Hall said. “That afternoon, we have the Paper Flower Workshop for kids inspired by Kate Smith’s exhibition Form is temporary, class is permanent.” For more details about the Art Camp workshops, head to waggaartgallery. com.au/whats-on/ programs-and-events. Places are limited. Call the Art Gallery (02) 6926 9660 to book your spot. Creative Kids Vouchers 2021 can be used for the Art Camp workshops. To apply for your voucher please go the service.nsw. gov.au/transaction/applycreative-kids-voucher
ART C AMP, 12-15 JANUARY 2021, WAGGA WAGGA ART GALLERY •
Make a Pet (Family Activity) Who: Families (up to 6 per group) When: 10.30am - 12.30pm Tuesday 12 January 2021
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Paper Flower Workshop (Kids) Who: 6 - 11 years When: 1.00pm - 3.30pm Tuesday 12 January 2021
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Bright Bag Workshop (Kids) Who: 6 - 11 years When: 10.30am - 12.30pm Wednesday 13 January 2021
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Tote and T Embellishing Workshop (Teens) Who: 12 - 17 years When: 1.00pm - 3.30pm Wednesday 13 January 2021
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Portrait Prints Workshop (Kids) Who: 8 - 11 years When: 10.30am - 12.30pm Thursday 14 January 2021
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Suburban Snapshots Workshop (Teens) Who: 12 - 17 years When: 1.00pm - 3.30pm Thursday 14 January 2021
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Civic Cubby Workshop (Family Activity) Who: Families (up to 6 per group) When: 10.30am - 12.30pm Friday 15 January 2021 Draw, Photograph and Project Workshop (Teens) Who: 12 - 17 years When: 1.00pm - 3.30pm Friday 15 January 2021
BUSINESS OWNERS URGED TO COMPLETE SURVEY
Wagga Wagga City Council is seeking local business operators’ feedback in the lead-up to a procurement education program being planned later this year. Council is encouraging business owners to complete an online survey which will remain open until 31 January, 2021. Council’s Director Corporate Services Natalie Te Pohe said the survey will provide important feedback to Council which will shape a number of educational opportunities for local businesses. Mrs Te Pohe said Council needs to understand the topics that business owners would like to focus on and how businesses want to
communicate and engage with Council for the procurement education program. The survey is asking business owners how they would like to learn more about the procurement process. Council will aim to accommodate requests and assist businesses in the learning process as much as possible, Mrs Te Pohe said. Council has planned a number of information sessions and these will be delivered in the way that business owners request. The survey can be accessed at wagga.nsw. gov.au/tenders Council’s Procurement Support Officer can be contacted on 1300 292 442
Adventurers taking a hike or riding a bike along the Wiradjuri Trail as it passes through the Birramal Conservation Area can now take a closer look at the surrounding flora and fauna. Wagga Wagga City Council has installed two sets of binoculars at the lookout at Birramal in time for the summer holidays. Environmental Education Officer Alice Kent said it gives visitors the opportunity to spot the wildlife in this 128-hectare parcel of land dedicated to the protection and enhancement of the environment. “The new binoculars offer visitors a brand-new perspective on this protected area,” Ms Kent said. “We’ve put the two sets at different heights to ensure young children can also enjoy the wonders of wildlife and the spectacular views from the lookout. “A hike or mountain bike ride through the Birramal Conservation Area is a perfect adventure these school holidays and the lookout provides a perfect picnic spot with shade, seating, a bike rack and now,
binoculars.” The Birramal Conservation Area features a great diversity of fauna and flora with the southwestern section of the Wiradjuri Trail taking in woodlands, open grassland, gullies, creeks and hills. Ms Kent said spaces like Birramal are essential for the protection and enhancement of threatened species. “The area is known to support the locally threatened Superb Parrot which is frequently spotted in the woodland areas,” Ms Kent said. “Efforts have also been made to support the locally endangered Squirrel Glider population, with community planting events adding native species that will provide food and habitat for this nocturnal gliding possum. “Glider poles have also been installed to help the Squirrel Gliders travel safely through Birramal by reducing the risk of predation by cats, dogs or foxes.” You can access the Birramal Conservation Area via the Wiradjuri Trail from Holbrook Road and take the trail west.
Vacancies Administration Officer (Cemetery)
Remuneration: $2,410.30 gpf + super Enquiries: Henry Pavitt on 02 6926 9615 or 0408 639 366 Closing date: Monday 11 January 2021
Visitor Economy and Events Officer
Remuneration: $2,323.72 gpf + super Enquiries: Fiona Hamilton on 02 6926 9627 Closing date: Friday 15 January 2021
Business Support Officer
Twelve (12) month term contract Remuneration: $2,228.56 gpf + super Enquiries: Tanya Jackson on 02 6971 4570 or Tara Donaldson on 02 6926 9216 Closing date: Tuesday, 19 January 2021
Circulation and Facility Assistant Team Leader
Permanent Part-Time - 18 hours per week (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) Remuneration: $1,195.06 gpf + super based on part-time hours of work Enquiries: Claire Campbell on 02 6926 9717 Closing date: Monday 25 January 2021 Wagga Wagga City Council is an EEO employer
To view these opportunities and apply, visit:
wagga.nsw.gov.au/jobs Council News - A City of Wagga Wagga publication
e
COUNCILLOR COLUMN
It has been pleasing to see over the last six months a number of issues that myself and the community have been advocating for either come to fruition or get supported through Council. The first was revisiting our current plan for a much-needed truck interchange. After speaking with the
Transport Workers’ Union about the need for the facility in the short term, I put a motion to Council to revisit the Wagga Integrated Transport Strategy. Currently the strategy calls for an interchange with all the bells and whistles that potentially pushes the project in the long term. Council staff will now review that plan and look for a shortterm solution. Recently a report I requested came to
Council exploring what we can do better in our social disadvantaged areas. It identified ideas such as improving parks and recreational areas, supporting our annual grants program to provide more events and other activities to these suburbs, stronger advocacy to other levels of government around social housing, educational improvement, and job opportunities, and also locking in a focused approach to supporting
0447 231 080 | councillor.hayes@wagga.nsw.gov.au
these communities better in our key planning strategies which means that this support will continue for years to come. While the plans passed through Council it was disappointing that the support for our areas that are doing it tough was not passed unanimously. Every forum I have attended with the young people has involved e-sports being requested. For those who don’t
know, e-sports is competitive video gaming. Strangely COVID-19 provided the environment for Wagga to trial a fourweek competition. I congratulate the staff who helped bring about the first ever Riverina e-sports competition that was held with great success. I’m now looking forward to seeing if it can be expanded next year and create a larger regional competition. Since the 2016 local
government election I have been discussing what I call a “superpark” for Riverside. It is pleasing to see this project will take the next step by asking the community what aspects of Wagga’s biggest park they want. Finally, the last meeting of 2020 I called for a report examining how new NSW legislation has the potential to improve our night time economy. Acting early means we can
capitalise on the opportunities provided as we continue to help our businesses and community recover from the impact of COIVID. With the new year beginning, I am looking forward to continue for the rest of this term of Council to work with the community and council staff in making Wagga a better place.
Councillor Dan Hayes
'Fun and festive' support for local businesses on NYE Wagga Wagga residents and visitors to the city enjoyed a "fun and festive" New Year’s Eve in the Central Business District, which was abuzz with a family-friendly vibe including street entertainment and activations. Wagga Wagga City Council’s Summer in the City theme included a number of fun performances which activated the CBD on the last day of 2020 and encouraged people to support local hospitality businesses. Council’s Director Community Janice Summerhayes said the feedback received on Summer in the City was positive and had achieved its goals to provide the community with a NYE destination whilst supporting business activity. “We all know how hard the year had been so it was our intention to provide a fun-filled few hours for the
Public Notices PROPOSED COUNCIL MEETING DATES FOR 2021
Outlined below are the proposed Ordinary Council Meeting dates for the period January 2021 to December 2021: • Monday, 18 January 2021
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community which also gave local businesses an opportunity,” Ms Summerhayes said. “It was a fun and festive vibe … it’s just what the community needed during these testing times. Everyone had a good laugh and enjoyed the activations and entertainment. “It was great to see local people and visitors supporting businesses and from the feedback we have received, Council achieved its goal of supporting a new approach to New Year’ Eve after a very different year.” Ms Summerhayes also thanked local business groups who supported the concept, the performers and entertainers and the COVID marshalls who ensured everybody had a safe and enjoyable time. Images: Brigette Gollasch
• Monday, 8 February 2021 • Monday, 22 February 2021 • Monday, 8 March 2021 • Monday, 22 March 2021 • Monday, 12 April 2021 • Monday, 26 April 2021 • Monday, 10 May 2021 • Monday, 24 May 2021 • Tuesday, 15 June 2021 • Monday, 28 June 2021 • Monday, 12 July 2021 • Monday, 26 July 2021 • Monday, 9 August 2021
p 1300 292 442 e council@wagga.nsw.gov.au w www.wagga.nsw.gov.au a Civic Centre Cnr Baylis & Morrow Sts PO Box 20, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650
• Monday, 23 August 2021 • Monday, 27 September 2021 • Monday, 11 October 2021 • Monday, 25 October 2021 • Monday, 8 November 2021 • Monday, 22 November 2021 • Monday, 13 December 2021 Note: Monday, 14 June 2021 is the Queen’s
Birthday public holiday. NSW Local Government Elections will be held on 4 September 2021 The date for the December meeting has been brought forward to accommodate the Christmas break. Commencement time for Council Meetings is generally 6.00pm.
Birch Roads, Lake Albert Aim: To exhibit the Planning Proposal LEP19/0010 to amend the Wagga Wagga LEP 2010 and exhibit an Amendment to the Wagga Wagga DCP 2010 and invite submissions until 20 February 2021. Exhibition Period: 9 January 2021 to 20 PUBLIC EXHIBITION February 2021 (inclusive) Submission Period: Land Description: Various 9 January 2021 to 20 lands bounded by Brunskill, February 2021 (inclusive) Mitchell, Silverwood and Inspection Venue: The
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Planning Proposal and DCP Amendment is available for inspection at the Wagga Wagga Civic Centre, Cnr Baylis and Morrow Sts, Wagga Wagga during the hours of 9.00am to 5.00pm Monday to Friday (public holidays excluded) or on Council’s website connect. wagga.nsw.gov.au/lep190010 Submission Procedure: Any interested person or organisation wishing to make a written submission
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in relation to the draft amendments should do so prior to the close of the submission period. Submissions may be delivered to the Council Chambers or mailed to The General Manager, Wagga Wagga City Council, PO Box 20, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650 or emailed to council@wagga.nsw.gov.au
Peter Thompson, General Manager